Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2617 ..

MS DUNDAS

(continuing):

This is a simple amendment to reflect the fact that, under the other amendments we have just agreed to, the executive may no longer make a direction to carry out rectification work. This amendment clears that up in the minister's amendments.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 8, as amended, agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Suspension of standing and temporary orders

Motion (by Mr Wood) agreed to, with the concurrence of an absolute majority:

That so much of the standing and temporary orders be suspended as would prevent private Members' business, order of the day relating to legal advice to the Gungahlin Development Authority and then Assembly business, order of the day No 1 relating to the proposed Select Committee on Privilege being called on forthwith.

Land sales

Debate resumed.

Amendment agreed to.

MR CORBELL

(Minister for Health and Minister for Planning) (6.03): I seek leave to move the amendment circulated in my name.

Leave granted.

MR CORBELL

: I move:

After the word "members"insert "who sign a confidentiality agreement that is provided by the Minister for Planning".

This amendment addresses an issue that the Assembly was debating earlier this day that outlines the government's concerns surrounding the confidentiality of legal advice. The advice is privileged in that it is advice from the ACT Government Solicitor to the Gungahlin Development Authority addressing an issue that is a matter of some commercial dispute between the authority and unsuccessful bidders who have indicated that they are seriously considering potential action against the authority.

The government is concerned that that advice not be made known to parties who may be taking action against the authority. However, it is prepared to make that advice available to members in this place so they can be satisfied that the authority has acted in accordance with the advice received from the ACT Government Solicitor. This sensible amendment is consistent with the approach adopted by the Chief Minister, who wrote to members earlier this year seeking their agreement to the signing of a confidentiality

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .